Calling all breastfeeding mamas...

Mango Mom · May 2011

The DH and I drove out to the hospital last night anxious to go to breastfeeding class. I am been nervous about breastfeeding (not questioning whether to do it, just nervous it won?t work) so I really wanted to take the class. But, to my astonishment it was cancelled?for the SECOND time without notice. Now there is not enough time for them to reschedule it before LO arrives.

Here is where you come in. Can you please share important tips, tricks or golden nuggets of information you learned in your class or that you have learned from experience? I plan to do some online research and watch some youtube videos but I know you ladies are a wealth of information.

Thanks for your help?..and curse you breastfeeding class instructor.

Zeedling · May 2011

I feel the same way about breast feeding. Some friends of mine told me check out youtube which I havent done yet. I have a great book that I am finding really helpful already - The Nursing Mothers Companion (the newest edition is the 6th one I think). by Kathleen Huggins

I couldnt go to my class because Im on bed rest but they are trying to start up some online classes from the hospital so Im hoping I can attend them.

mari_gold · May 2011

The biggest thing I took home from my BFing class pre-DS was that the baby latches on to more than just the nipple. It's not like drinking from a straw.

You can google to see how it looks, but really, I would ask to see a lactation consultant right away in the hospital. BFing isn't always easy but it's a very rewarding thing to do. God luck!

hannahruth32 · May 2011

I would also encourage to ask for the lactation consultant at the hospital, cause she can help too. I had a latch problem with my son, so I ended up pumping for 7 months. I used the nimple shield but just couldn't get empty so I was having a hard time nursing without having to pump more afterward. She is also available after you go home or to go see if you get home and having difficulty. I would also advise you to have a support person cause that helps a lot too. I wish I had more info as far as the actual nursing, but I know there are a lot of mommas on here they had success. Don't stress to much about the class because all I saw in mine was mainly proper latch and she gave me a great breastfeeding book.

AshleyPT · May 2011

Can you find a LLLI group near you? I've been to 2 meetings so far and have learned a ton and will have a great network for help if any problems arise.

justme04 · May 2011

Most hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff. If you inform them you wish to breastfeed one should be available to help you out for the first couple feedings.

cvl105 · May 2011

I'm not taking a class. Your hospital will give you the support you need while you're there. The nurses will be able to help, as well as a lactation consultant if they have one. I plan on learning what I need to from them.

LI444 · May 2011

mari_gold:
The biggest thing I took home from my BFing class pre-DS was that the baby latches on to more than just the nipple. It's not like drinking from a straw. You can google to see how it looks, but really, I would ask to see a lactation consultant right away in the hospital.BFing isn't always easy but it's a very rewarding thing to do. God luck!

Totally agree with this. I didn't see a LC, but the nurse noticed that my son was seriously hurting my nipples (pain is normal, but the way I was trying to feed him would've led to bleeding, etc). She showed me how to help make sure he was getting the right amount of the breast in the mouth. Basically, you gently pinch the aureola and sort of stuff it in the baby's mouth, with the nipple in the middle of the skin being pinched. Also, I'm large-chested, so I had to make sure I was pushing down on the top of my breast to make sure he could actually breathe. Videos on youtube might help.

mlmtgg · May 2011

I'm in the same boat - my first one was canceled and the next one I have a conflict with, so that's it. But look up lactation consultants in your area (the hospital will have them for sure, but you may want to consult with one ahead of time). In my area there is a La Leche League as well as a breast feeding exclusive store that has private consultants -a nd they are awesome.

khoping · May 2011

I took away from my class that it is not supposed to hurt. If it hurts you are doing it wrong. The baby should not have their head turned at all as they will tug on the nipple. Also that the skin to skin contact right after birth, studies have shown, will increase the success for breast feeding.

mmaxwell818 · May 2011

I didnt take a class. And successfully BF DS for 9 months (he started getting teeth...thats when I said I was going to stop. haha). The hospital gave me all the help I needed. We (myself and the nurses) were having trouble getting DS to latch so they sent up a lactation specialist and she helped me out. And then they offered the specialist to me after discharged if I felt it was necessary. I think you will be all set and the hospital will make sure you leave knowing what you need to know. And making sure your LO is getting enough food!

Brooklyn2577 · May 2011

I didn't take a class and BF DS for a year. Use your nurses and LC at the hospital. A lot of it is trial and error - what holds work for you, etc. Just remember - it might be natural, but it's not always easy.

prncsstp · May 2011

I DID ake a class, and mostly thought it was a waste of time.... However. I would look up the different "holds" for BFing, so you can try out each and see whats most comfortable for you.

Also, the one tip/trick that the instructor told me that I remember was not to bring the breast to the baby, but bring baby to breast. tease the baby's mouth with the nipple until he makes a sort of fish-looking mouth - ready to suck, then insert whole nipple and areola into babys mouth, with the nipple pointing upward.

Also, I would suggest trying to room-in with baby at the hospital, because if he's in the nursery, and is bottle fed by a nurse, Ive heard that may cause latch issues/BF problems

This is my first LO, so I have never BF before, but that all makes sense... I also plan on seeing the LC at the hospital for help, as well as checking out some LLL meetings after LO is born.

CarlaAndJames · May 2011

FTM here, but I HIGHLY recommend the book "So That's What They're For?" as a great resource. It's funny, but has TONS of little tidbits of information and what to do in different scenarios. I felt so much more confident that I could BF after reading i!

I'm taking class next Wed, but a friend of mine who took the class said I wouldn't even need it after reading that book!

NovNYC2006 · May 2011

CarlaAndJames:

FTM here, but I HIGHLY recommend the book "So That's What They're For?" as a great resource. It's funny, but has TONS of little tidbits of information and what to do in different scenarios. I felt so much more confident that I could BF after reading i!

I'm taking class next Wed, but a friend of mine who took the class said I wouldn't even need it after reading that book!

I'm reading this book right now, would also recommend it. I'm a FTM, too and am not taking a class.

TashaK2011 · May 2011

cvl105:
I'm not taking a class. Your hospital will give you the support you need while you're there. The nurses will be able to help, as well as a lactation consultant if they have one. I plan on learning what I need to from them.

This for me

Amaya84 · May 2011

Here's a video you can watch

https://www.babycenter.com/2_10-tips-for-breastfeeding-success_10326780.bc?scid=mbtw_preg34:1113&pe=MlV6am81b3wyMDExMDUwNA..

ericav1011 · May 2011

I just took the breastfeeding class at our hospital the other day. It really just put my mind at ease more than anything and the instructor was great. A lot of the information I did already read about. I'll send you all the info she gave in a PM if you'd like :-)